Fracture-setting apparatus and splint



Jan. 1,1924 1,479,535

S. FERRAGAMO FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS AND SPLINT Filed Nov. 1921' 4 sheets-sheet 2 Jan. 1, 1924 1,479,535

S. FERRAGAMO FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS AND SPLINT Filed NOV- 3; 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 SIM/mmm: JM 72e i: l /QQQJWVM Patented Jan. 1, 1924.

UNITED STATES 1,479,535 PATENT OFFICE.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, OF SANTA. BARBARA, CALIFORNIA.

FRACTURESETTING .A PPARAT'UIS AND SPLINT.

Application led November 3, 1921.

lwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to means for setting broken bones and for supporting the fractured ends in set position while the fracture knits. The apparatus is applicable for the care of any of the bones of the arms or legs. lts principal use will be found in the treatment of bones of the leg and particularly the thigh bone with reference to which the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinafter.

In the care of broken bones the fracture must first be set and then held in set posi- 'tion for a varying length of time until the break has knit.

The conditions for the care of a broken bone require that the broken ends be held in alignment and without relative movement. It is also essential that the broken ends be prevented from overlapping in order that the healed member will be of proper length. For the accomplishment of these results the use of apparatus which will positively hold the fracture in set position and which may be adjusted and maintained in constant operation without disturbing the fracture is essential. The comfort of the patient is also an important feature to be considered.

yReferring to the present practice in the care of broken bones the use ,of adhesive bandages is quite common. The bandages frequently do not hold firmly and allow the ends of the fractured bone to move. Moreover the adhesive bandages must be replaced from time to time. During the replacement of an adhesive bandage the fractured ends frequently move much to the detriment of the healing. A further disadvantage in the use of adhesive bandages is the pain to the patient involved in tneir replacement often requiring the use of an anacsthetic. According to the present practice in the care of broken bones improperly healed fractures and amputations are quite frequent.

My invention resides in apparatus designed to overcome the above mentioned difficulties and assure the proper healing of a fracture in a relatively short time and with a minimum of discomfort to the patient.

Serial No. 512,611.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear in the following detailed description of the apparatus and its use.

In the accompanying drawings- Fig. 1 is a plan view of my apparatus applied to a human leg,

Fig. 2 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a broken section of the stretching frame illustrated in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of the adjustable rings of the leg frame, A

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a pad for -use within the adjustable ring illustrated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross section of the pad illustrated in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the adjustable ring at the upper or left hand end of the stretching frame.

Fig. 8 is a broken plan View of a thrust pad for use in connection with the ring member illustrated in Fig. 7 showing a portion of the ring member in place.

Fig. 9 is a reverse view of the pad section illustrated in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a cross section of the thrust pad on the line .A-A of Fig. 8,

Fig. 11 illustrates the splint applied to the portion of the leg at the fracture, and

Fig. 12 illustrates the splint of Fig. 11 apart from the leg.

Referring more particularly to the drawings the stretching frame comprises an upper adjustable ring member 1 adapted to fit neXt to the body. As illustrated the ring member fits in the crotch. Ring 1, see Figs'. 2 and 7, comprises a resilient metal open ring shaped to fit the thigh of the leg at the crotch. The free ends of the ring are turned outwardly and flattened at 2, 2, and provided with threaded swivel pieces 2. The rod 3 fits into the threaded `openings of the swivel pieces` the respective ends being provided with right and left hand threads. A knurled disk 4 is fixed on the rod 3 for turning the rod and thus adjusting t-he .size of the ring 1. In use the ring 1 is detachably connected to the side members 5 and 6 of the stretching frame by means of the tubular projections 7, 7 and 8, 8 intr which the upper ends of the side members 5 and 6 t and are held by means of set screws 9. The projections 7, 7 and 8, 8 are secured to the ring 1 preferably by welding. Since the ring 1 fits the leg at an angle to the plane perpendicular to the leg the projections 7, 7 and 8, 8 are secured to the ring 1 at such an angle that when the ring 1 is on the leg` one pair of Aprojections will extend parallel to the leg. s illustrated in F ig. 1 the ring is applied to the right leg and projections 8, 8 extend parallel to the leg. The ring 1 may be used also on the left leg in which case projections 7, 7, will extend p-arallel to the leg. Both pairs of projections are short so that the pair not in use will not interfere with the use of the ring. While l have illustrated as referred a ring 1 which may be used on eit er leg, it is obvious that two separate rings each provided with a single pair of projections 7, 7, and 8, 8 respectively, may be employed.

The side members 5and 6 are of e ual length and are tubular at the lower. en at least. The upper ends of members 5 and 6 lit into the hollow projections 7, 7, or 8, 8 as described above. The lower ends of members 5 andv 6 are slotted and provided with apertured parallel extensions carrying a bolt provided with a knurled nut 11. rlhe members 5 and 6 are internally 'threaded for at least a portion of their lengthsand receive the upper threaded ends of rods 12 and 13 (see Fig. 3). The lower ends of rods 12 and 13 are positioned at the knee joint in use and 'for the purpose of so positioning them for legs of different length the upper ends of the rods are telescoped the desired distance into the tubular members 5 and 6 and secured in position by means of bolts.10 and nuts 11. lt will be noted that rods 12 and 13 are of different lengths, the longer rod 12 lying on the outside of the leg. 1n applying the apparatus to the right legro s 12 and 13 are arranged as shown in Fig. 1. It the apparatus is to be applied to the left leg the position of rods 12 and 13 is reversed.

rl`he lower ends 14: of rods 12 and 1.3 are flat and circulai` and each is provided with a central opening and radial notches.v The ends 14 engage with similar flat circular notched ends on the longitudinal bars 15 and 16 of the leg stretcher ormin adjustable joints 17 at'the knee. The joints 17 may be set in adjusted position by means of a bolt 18 passing through the engaged ends ot' members 12 and 13 with 15 and 16 respectively. L

Bars 15 and 16 extend from the knee joint to a point below the bottom of the foot. The lower ends of hars 15 and 16 are provided with shoulders 19 and pro jecting threaded ends 20. A cross bar 21 having openings at its opposite ends to receive the threaded ends 20 is attached to rods 15 and 16 by means of nuts 22, 22.

The crossbar /21 is provided with 'a threaded bearing 23 through which the agresse threaded shaft 24 extends. 'lihe shaft 24 is provided with a handle 25 by means of which it may be turned and the opposite end is swiveled to the stirrup 29 of the leg supporting structure at 26.

'lhe -leg supporting structure comprises side members adapted to lie on opposite sides of the leg. rlhe side members are made up of a plurality of metal elements 27 each comprising a straight flat portion of suitable length provided at one end with an opening and at the other end with a spring hook. lin use a number of elements 27 are hooked togetherto form a side member of the desired length for the leg under treatment, one joint of each side member being positioned at the knee joint.

rlhe side members of the leg support carry one or more adjustable bands 28 ada ted to be bound firmly around the leg. As illustrated in Fi s. 1 and 2 three bands 28 are employed, this arrangement being preferable Jfor the treatment of a leg in which the thigh bone is broken. Bands 28 are designed to grip the leg .and take the endwise pull when the leg is stretched and are thereforev positioned on the small part of the leg directly above theknee, on the small part of the leg between the knee and the calf of the legl and directly above the ankle.

rllheside members of the leg support are connected at their lower ends through j rings or links 28 with the stirrup 29. Stirrup 29 carries an adjustable foot su port 30 which may take the form of tile foot .su port described in my application Serial o. 427 ,7210, filed Dec. 21, 1920.

v1n order to support the leg in ali nment with the stretching frame a n lura ity of stra-ps 431 whose lengths are a` justable by well known slip connections 31 are looped across between the side elements of the stretching frame and under the leg.v 'llhe number of straps 31 employed varies with the circumstances of the particular case.

Assuming that the fracture under treatment is in the upper leg bone the s lint is applied at this point, see Fig. 2. he detai s of the splint are illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 and will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 8, 9 and 10, 32 is a thrust ad circular 1n iorm and of a size correspondmg with the size of the thrust ring 1. rllhe ring shaped thrust pad-is open on one side to provi( e a free space for the ring adjusting means 3, L1 and a flap 33 is carried between the open ends of the pad to protect the leg from the ladjusting means, 3, 4c (see Fig. l).

Pad is stitched through its central circumferential line forming a groove into which a sheet metal trough 34 is held b the stitchin Extending transversely o the pad an secured under the trough 3-1 are a plurality of liexible straps 35 provided on the opposite ends with the two parts of a snap fastener or similar device. Straps 35 are adapted to be shaped around the ring 1 as illustrated at 36 on Figs. 2 and 8 to hold the pad 32 to ring 1. One of the adjustable bands 28 is illustrated in detail in Fig. 4.

Each band 28 comprises a curved flat resilient metal plate 37 adapted to fit the leg but insuilicient in length to completely surround the leg. The opposite ends of the base plate are provided with flat tubular guides 38 each provided with a set screw 39. A curved flat resilient metal plate 40 is held in one of the guides 38 and extends part way around the outside of the base plate A similar curved flat resilient metal plate 41 is held in the other guide 38 and extends in the opposite direction a suitable distance around the base plate 37. On the projecting end of the plate 41 is shown a flat tubular guide frame 42 adapted to receive the opposite projecting end of the plate 40 and a set screw is carried by the guide 42 for securing the ends of plates 40 and 41 together. Other means for adjust- 'ably securing the plates 40 and 41 together obviously may be employed. O11 opposite sides of the base plate 37 and preferably near the ends thereof on the guides 38 are transverse guides 43 adapted to receive the elements 27 of the leg support. Elements 27 are fixed in position with respect to bands 28 by means of set screws 44.

In Figs. 5 and 6 I have illustrated a pad designed for use with bands 28. The pad is in general of the usual construction having a suitable covering of fabric and a filling material and is of suiicient length to surround the leg and of sufficient width to protect the leg from contact with band 28. The ends of the pad are tapered and in use the tapered ends overlap as illustrated at 45, 'lnx pad is provided on its opposite faces with longitudinal grooves 46 and 47 to allow for expansion or contraction of the pad in use without wrinklin'g or folding of the pad and consequent discomfort to the patient.

Fig. 11 illustrates the splint in position on the leg. The leg is shown in section at 48. Surrounding the leg is a suitable pad 49 to protect the flesh of the leg from the splint.

The splint comprises the two similar curved plates 50 adapted to extend longitudinally of the leg and partially surround the same. Plates 50 are formed of. strong and slightly resilient material, preferably metal. Fach side plate 50 has flat tubular guides 51 adjacent its opposite ends provided with set screws and adapted to receive the curved flat metal straps 53. Straps 53 are of such curvature as to simply lit around the plates 50. Each pair of straps 53 are hinged at one end to a rod 54 (see Fig. 12) and the substantially the same curvature as plates l 50. The rear ends of straps 55 and 56 overlap behind the rod 54 and extend forwardly around the outside of plates 50 passing through guides 57 provided with set screws 58. The forward ends of straps 55 and 56 overlap. Strap 55 carries means for fastening it to the end of strap 56 comprising a flat tubular guide 59 having a set screw 60. 'It will be apparent from the above description that the splint is adjustable and may be applied to different sizes of legs.

In the use of my apparatus the bandage 49 is first secured around the leg at the place of the fracture. The splint is then opened ,on the hinges and adjusted to the size of the leg and brought together around the leg and secured in position by means of set screw 60. The leg support and stretching frame are then applied to the leg. In applying the leg support the foot is placed in the foot rest 30 and the bands 28 are moved along the side bars of the leg support to the desired positions above the ankle, above the calf of the leg and above the knee. respectively. A pad such as that illustrated in Fig. 5 is put around the leg inside of each band 28 and the bands are then secured in place. The pads may or may not be attached to the bands 28, as desired. The upper ring member l with the thrust pad 32 in position is then placed in the crotch and tightened by turning the dise 4, and the connection of the ring to the stretching frame adjusted by means of the threaded couplings shown in Fig. 3. This adjustment provides for varying lengths of thighs and for alternate use on the right or left leg. The threaded shaft 24 is then screwed outwardly by means of handle 25 to place the desired tension on the leg. In the continued treatment of the leg the tension on the leg may be accurately adjusted from time to time. The bands 28 may be released one at a time and fresh pads applied without disturbing the position of the leg or releasing the tension thereon. The splint may be removed for the purpose of applying a fresh pad or for the purpose of taking X-ray photographs of the fracture without disturbing the fracture. The angle of bend at the kneejoint may also be changed from time to time by adjustment of the members 17,` 18.

In the course of time after the break is set, the bands 28 below the knee may be removed to allow the patient to bend the knee slightly without releasing the tension on the thigh across a thigh fracture. The amount of freedom of movement thus permitted may be regulated by the doctor through adjustment of the straps 3l.

lt will thus be seen that my invention provides means for the proper care of a broken bone which involves the continuous support ofthe injured member in properly set position and Without discomfort to the patient. My invention further provides an apparatus which may be readily adjusted to fit injured members of varying size and shape and which may be adjusted from time to time without pain to the patient or disturbance of the fracture.

An important feature of my invention resides in the fact that the apparatus is readily assembled and disassembled and may be taken apart and packed into a relatively small space. rllhus the apparatus is readily packed for shipment or storage and a single apparatus may be carried by vdoctors, or in ambulances, or on shipboard, or in emergency outfits such as are carried on raiload trains. llts usefulness in army and navy hospital work is obvious. Due to the fact that the apparatus is adjustable and may be applied to either the right or left leg or arm a single outfit may be relied upon for the care of any patient in an emergency.

llt is important in the treatment of broken bones that the fracture be set and held in set position as soon as possible. My apparatus may be applied at thel place'of the accident and serves to set and support the injured member while the patient is being transported from the place of accident to his home or to a hospital. Whereas in the setting and bandaging of broken limbs under the usual practice from two to three hours are not infrequently required of a doctors time, with the use of the device of my invention the fracture of even a thigh bone may beset and bandaged in a few minutes, with consequent immediate relief to the patient. l

Although in certain of the claims reference is made to the leg or the kneein describing the location or relative proportion of the various elements, it is obvious that such terms are used merely for convenience of description and that the claims are intended to cover the apparatus herein described irrespective of the use to which the same may be put.

ll claim:

1. lin fracture setting apparatus a stretching frame comprising a ring,- longitudinal side members attached to said ring and extending beyond the end of the injured member, said side members -comprising two interchangeable adjustable sections of unequal agresse length and two sections of equal length pivotally connected to said adjustable sections. 4

2. ln fracture setting apparatus, a member adapted to encircle the injured limb, side members adapted to extend along the injured limb, and a plurality of sets of connecting means on said limb encircling member alternatively engageable with said side members, said sets of connecting means being arranged at dierent angles to the plane of said member whereby the apparatus may be applied to an injured limb at either side of a patients body. l

3. lin a stretching frame for fracture apparatus, a thrust ring adapted to surround the injured member and lie against the body, side members adapted to extend along the injured member and alternatively engageable connections for attaching said side members to said thrust ring at dierent angles, whereby the frame may be applied to an injured member at either side of a patients body. V

4. ln a stretching framefor fracture apparatus, a thrust ring adapted to surround the injured member and lie against the body, and side members extending along the injured member, said thrust ring, provided with pairs of projections for attachment to said side members, said pairs of projections extending from said ring member at dif- 1erent angles to the plane of said ring mem- 5. lin a stretching frame for fracture apparatus, a thrust ring comprising an adjustable ring adapted to fit either leg at the crotch and lie in a plane at an angle to the longitudinal line of the leg, a pair of projections on opposite sides of said ring and extending parallel to thev leg when the ring is in position on the right leg, and a second pair of projections on vsaid ring extending parallel to the leg when the ring is in position on the left leg.

6. lln a stretching frame for fracture apparatus, a thrust ring adaptedto be applied to either leg, side members connected to said ring member, saidv side members comprising sections of equal length extending from the knee joint downwardly beyond the foot, short tubular sections of equal length detachably secured to said ring member and terminating above the knee, two sections of unequal length adapted to move into either of said tubular members and project therefrom to the knee joint and means for adjustably connecting the lower ends of said last named sections to the upper ends of said first named sections.

7. Fracture setting apparatus comprising a stretching frame, a leg frame attached to said stretching frame at its lower end and means for supporting the injured member in alignment in said stretching frame.

8. In fracture setting apparatus, a stretchin frame, a leg frame comprising sectional si e members, a foot support carried at one end of said side members, bands carried by said side members and adjustable longitudinally thereof, and means for connecting said foot support to said stretching frame.

9. Fracture setting apparatus comprising a stretching frame, connected elements forming a limb frame, limb gripping bands carried by said elements, and means connecting said limb frame and said stretch-v ing frame.

10. Fracture setting apparatus comprising a stretching frame, sets of connected elements forming a limb frame, limb gripping bands carried by said elements, limb supporting means carried by said stretching frame, and means connecting said limb frame and said stretching frame.

11. Fracture setting apparatus comprising a stretching frame, a limb frame, means on said stretching frame for applying tension to said limb frame, and means on said limb frame for distributing the tension to a limb at a plurality of localized points.

12. Fracture setting apparatus comprising a stretching frame, a limb frame, means on said stretching frame for applying tension to said limb frame and a plurality of bands carried by and adjustable longitudinally of said limb frame for distributing the' tension to a limb.

13. In fracture setting apparatus, a stretching frame having side members each of Which comprises pivotally connected sections, a limb frame adapted to grip the injured limb, said limb frame having side members each comprising a plurality of pivotally connected elements, and means for adjustably connecting said leg frame and stretching frame whereby pivot points in each of the respective side members ma be aligned With the joint of an injured lim 14. The combination with a stretching frame comprising thrust means and side members attached to said thrust means, each of said side members comprising pivotally connected sections, of leg frame side members each of Which comprises pivotall ,connected elements, means carried by sald leg frame side members for gripping an injured limb and tension app ying means connecting said leg frame side members and said stretching frame.

15. The combination with a stretching frame comprising thrust means and adjustable side members having pivotal joints which are adapted to be located in alignment with the joint` of an in'ured limb; of a limb frame adapted to grlp the injured limb, said limb frame having side members each comprising a plugflity of pivotally connected elements, and means adjustably posiing a stretching frame and a leg support, sald stretching frame comprising a thrust ring, a tension applying means and side members connecting said ring and said tension applying means, said leg support comprising a plurality of side elements, means carried by said side elements for gripping the leg, av foot support, and means forconnecting said foot support to said tension applying means.

17. In fracture setting apparatus a circular thrust pad open on one side, an annular groove in a face of said pad, a thrust rin and means for securing said ring in sai groove.

18. In fracture setting apparatus, an adjustable thrust ring, a pad having an annular groove in one face thereof, a reinforcing member connected to Said pad and located in said annular groove, and means on said reinforcing member for connecting the member and pad to said thrust ring.

19. In fracture setting apparatus, an open ring, means for adjustably connecting the open ends of said ring, a circular thrust pad open on one side, and a Hexible extension on said pad adapted to underlie said adjustable connecting means.

20. In fracture setting apparatus a band for gripping an injured member, said band comprising a plurality ofcurved plates, means connecting said plates and adjustable to permit the positioning of said plates about the injured member, and means maintaining said plates in adjusted position. v 21. In fracture setting apparatus a leg support comprising leg gripping bands, each of said bands comprising a curved base plate, two curved plates slidably secured to the outer face of said base plate and adapted to extend beyond the ends thereof, and means for connecting the extended ends of said two plates.

22. In fracture setting apparatus, a band Vadapted to be secured around the injured member comprising a curved base plate, tubular guides on the opposite ends of said base ate and extending parallel thereto, curved plates carried by said tubular guides, means for holding said curved plates in fixed position Within said guides, and means for connecting the ends of said curved plates.

23. In fracture setting apparatus, a leg frame comprising side members, a band adapted to he secured around the injured member, said band comprising a base plate and a pair of curved plates slidable longitudinally `With respect to said base plate,

means for `holding said curved plates in fixed position on said base plate, means for connecting the ends of said curved plates, and means for adjustably securing said base plate to the side members of said leg frame.

24C. ln fracture setting apparatus, a leg frame comprising side members, a band adapted to surround the injured member, guides on said band extending perpendicuar to the plane thereof and receiving sai side members, and means for holding said side members against longitudinal movement in said guides.

25. ln fracture setting apparatus, a splint comprising hinged curved members, curved side plates adjustably secured to said hinged members, and means surrounding said curved plates for holding the same in position on the fractured member.

26. ln fracture setting apparatus, a splint comprising a longitudinal rod, pairs of curved straps hinged to said rod, curved side plates carrying tubular guides, means for adjustably securing said straps Within said remesa guides', and means for holding said splint in position on the fractured member.

27. ln fracture setting apparatus, a splint comprising movable curved side plates, tubular guides carried by said side plates, curved straps slidably adjustable in said guides and means for holding the splint in position on the fracturedv member.

28. lln fracture setting apparatus, a splint comprising a longitudinal rod, pairs of curved straps hinged to said rod, curved side plate carrying tubular guides adapted to receive said straps, set screws for holding said straps against movement with respect to said side plates, a pair of curved straps adapted to surround said side plates and overlap opposite said rod, means for connecting the ends of said pairof straps opposite the overlapping ends, and guides carried by said side plates for said pair of straps.

lin testimony whereof, ll atlix my signature.

SALVATRE FERRAGAMU. 

